Salmon Poke Bowl
Sushi night has never been so simple! With the Salmon Poke Bowl, you can enjoy a delightful blend of sushi-grade salmon, white rice, fresh vegetables, and tropical mango—all in the comfort of your home. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish stands out for its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using sushi-grade salmon ensures that you’re enjoying high-quality seafood packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Tailor your poke bowl with your favorite toppings or veggies for a unique twist every time.
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Visually Appealing: The colorful presentation of the ingredients makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Salmon Poke Bowl, having the right tools will make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this delicious adventure.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Rice cooker or pot
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts of the salmon and vegetables, enhancing presentation and texture.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients for marinating your salmon in poke sauce.
- Rice cooker or pot: Cooking rice perfectly is crucial; a rice cooker simplifies this process to achieve fluffy results.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 10 ounces sushi grade salmon
For the Rice
- 1/2 cup white rice
For the Vegetables
- 1 english cucumber, (thinly sliced)
- 2 radishes, (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado, (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup mango, (diced)
For the Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger, (or ginger paste)
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 scallions, (thinly sliced and white parts separated)
For Serving
- spicy mayo recipe
How to Make Salmon Poke Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
The white parts of 3 sliced scallions
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Slice the sushi-grade salmon into 1-inch cubes against the grain.
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Add the cubed salmon to the mixing bowl with the marinade. Toss everything gently to coat.
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Allow it to marinate for 15–45 minutes but no longer than 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- While the salmon marinates, cook the white rice according to package instructions.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls
-
Once cooked, divide the rice between serving bowls.
-
Top each bowl with:
- Marinated salmon
- Sliced cucumber
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Avocado slices
-
Diced mango
-
Drizzle with spicy mayo before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade Salmon Poke Bowl!
How to Serve Salmon Poke Bowl
Serving a Salmon Poke Bowl is all about presentation and flavor balance. You can customize each bowl to suit individual tastes while keeping the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients in mind.
Individual Bowls
- Use separate bowls for each serving to allow everyone to customize their meal. This enhances the experience and allows for personal preferences.
Toppings Bar
- Set up a toppings bar with various options like sliced radishes, mango, and avocado. This encourages creativity and lets guests build their ideal poke bowl.
Extra Sauces
- Offer a variety of sauces, such as spicy mayo or soy sauce, on the side. This adds an extra layer of flavor and caters to different taste preferences.
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate the dish. Add them as a garnish for a bright, aromatic touch that complements the salmon nicely.
Rice Alternatives
- Consider using quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice for a healthier option. These alternatives add unique flavors and textures to your poke bowl.

How to Perfect Salmon Poke Bowl
To create the ultimate Salmon Poke Bowl, focus on quality ingredients and balanced flavors. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Choose sushi-grade salmon: Always opt for high-quality fish to ensure safety and taste in your poke bowl.
- Marinate properly: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes but no longer than an hour for optimal flavor infusion.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh cucumbers, radishes, and avocados not only add crunch but also vibrant colors that make your bowl visually appealing.
- Experiment with textures: Mix crispy toppings like sesame seeds or seaweed with creamy elements like avocado for a delightful contrast.
- Balance flavors: Ensure that sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors are well represented in your poke bowl for a satisfying experience.
Best Side Dishes for Salmon Poke Bowl
Complementing your Salmon Poke Bowl with side dishes can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and a fun finger food element.
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad brings a burst of umami flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Miso Soup: A warm miso soup offers comforting flavors that balance well with the freshness of the poke bowl.
- Pickled Ginger: This tangy condiment cleanses the palate between bites and adds a zesty kick.
- Crispy Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered tempura adds crunchiness and complements the soft textures in your poke bowl.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a sweet contrast to savory flavors in the main dish.
- Sushi Rolls: Small sushi rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp can serve as an additional bite-sized treat alongside your poke bowl.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame vinaigrette is both colorful and refreshing alongside the rich salmon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Salmon Poke Bowl, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for:
- Not using sushi-grade salmon: Ensure you choose sushi-grade salmon to guarantee freshness and safety. Regular salmon may not be suitable for raw consumption.
- Skipping the marination time: Marinating the salmon for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; it’s vital for achieving a delicious poke bowl.
- Overcooking the rice: Follow package instructions carefully to prevent mushy rice. Properly cooked rice provides the perfect base for your poke bowl.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like cucumbers and avocados are crucial for taste. Always use ripe, high-quality produce for the best results.
- Ignoring portion sizes: Be mindful of how much of each ingredient you use. Too much or too little can throw off the balance of flavors in your Salmon Poke Bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover poke bowl components separately in airtight containers.
- Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Salmon Poke Bowl
- It’s best not to freeze assembled poke bowls as ingredients don’t hold up well.
- If needed, freeze marinated salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Salmon Poke Bowl
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your rice in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer the rice to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water to a skillet over low heat. Stir in the rice until heated through, adding more water if necessary to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making a Salmon Poke Bowl.
What is a Salmon Poke Bowl?
A Salmon Poke Bowl is a Hawaiian dish featuring marinated raw salmon served over rice with various fresh toppings like vegetables and sauces.
How do I make my own spicy mayo?
For spicy mayo, mix mayonnaise with sriracha or other hot sauce until you reach your desired spice level. This adds a creamy kick!
Can I substitute other fish in a Salmon Poke Bowl?
Yes! You can use tuna or even cooked shrimp if you prefer. Just ensure that any fish used is sushi-grade if serving raw.
How long does marinated salmon last in the fridge?
Marinated salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
The Salmon Poke Bowl is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute proteins based on your preferences. Dive into this delightful dish and enjoy a taste of Hawaii right at home!

Salmon Poke Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Savor the taste of Hawaii with this easy-to-make Salmon Poke Bowl, a delightful dish that brings together sushi-grade salmon, fluffy white rice, and an array of fresh vegetables topped with tropical mango. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this customizable meal is not only quick to prepare but also visually stunning.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces sushi-grade salmon
- 1/2 cup white rice
- 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 2 radishes (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup mango (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 scallions (thinly sliced and white parts separated)
- spicy mayo recipe
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, mirin, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and scallions.
- Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes and toss in marinade; let marinate for 15–45 minutes.
- Cook white rice according to package instructions.
- Assemble bowls by placing cooked rice at the bottom and topping with marinated salmon, cucumber slices, radishes, avocado slices, and diced mango.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: No cooking (other than rice)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 635mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg